By JOE MURCHISON

The city of Laurel renamed its Laurel Municipal Center for former Mayor Joseph R. Robison at a ceremony Oct. 7.

Robison served as mayor from 1990 to 1994, during which time he directed the city to acquire the former Laurel Junior High School building, at 8103 Sandy Spring Road. He then oversaw its conversion into a new city hall.

Robison was a lifelong Laurel resident. He had a long career with the U.S. Postal Service, eventually serving as a quality control specialist at the headquarters in the District. 

He served on the city council from 1988 to 1990, and was a chief of the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department and a founding member of the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad. He also served as president of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and Prince George’s Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association. He was inducted into the hall of fame of both associations. He died in November 2020.